I've loved Sienna Miller's style at every stage of her fashion journey, but I think I'll always have a soft spot for the outfits that launched her into style-icon territory. Though she rose to fame in the 2000s, it was her mid-'10s outfits that secured her status as a fashion trailblazer. Styling key silhouettes ahead of the rest, the actor helped pave the way we approached fashion during the past decade. So, I was pleasantly surprised to see her revive a trouser shape that was key in this timeframe and which we haven't really seen around over the past few years.
Stepping out in London, Miller opted for a simple outfit comprising a black top, a long leather coat and ultra-high-waist paperbag trousers in a shade of deep blue. Featuring a belt closure and a pleated effect at the waistband, paperbag trousers were everywhere during the late 2010s, often worn with chunky knit or graphic tee tucked in. This trouser style features a cinched waist (often with a belt in the same fabric), slight billowing around the knee and gentle tapering towards the ankle.
Whilst we haven't seen this style around for some time, it almost feels like an early iteration of 2024's newly-trending barrel-leg jeans. Featuring a similarly voluminous cut, both offer an exaggerated shape that often becomes the focal point of the outfit. And just like barrel-leg jeans, paperbag trousers look elegant when worn with a form-fitting knit or relaxed sweater and a low heel. Just make sure to give your top a French tuck to keep things chic. This time around, paperbag trousers have had an update in the fabric department. Starched cotton was previously the order of the day, but the textiles nowadays are either chosen to be more fluid or create even more of a dramatic shape—both of which feel supremely current and on-trend.
To shop the paperbag trouser trend that Miller has just revived for 2024, scroll on for our pick of the most elevated and fashionable pairs.
SHOP PAPERBAG TROUSERS:
These also come in denim, khaki and navy.
The high-waisted silhouette would style well with a sleek turtleneck and kitten heels.
Falling to ankle length, these will look great with low-top trainers or loafers.
Wear with heeled boots to elongate the leg.
Horseshoe meets paperbag in this directional tapered pair from Lemaire.
These lightweight trousers are ideal for springtime styling.
A smarter take on the trending silhouette.
Play with texture by wearing with velvet flats.
The exaggerated high waist is best shown off by a fitted top.
This light beige shade is the perfect base for dark brown and espresso shades.
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